Measles FAQ

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads when a person sneezes or coughs, and droplets are sprayed into the air, and can infect people around them. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people close to that person who are not vaccinated will also become infected with the measles virus. Additionally, the measles virus can survive for up to two hours in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. If other people breathe in the contaminated air or touch the infected surface and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. DSHS

According to the CDC, anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, several groups are more likely to suffer from measles complications:

• Children younger than 5 years of age
• Adults older than 20 years of age
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those with leukemia or HIV infection

No, measles and chickenpox are not related to each other since chickenpox is caused by a different virus. CDC, Cleveland Clinic

Early Symptoms (first few days)

• Moderate Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red eyes
• Sore throat

Later Symptoms (after a few days)

• Blue-White spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Red-brown rash
  • The rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
• High fever (can go over 104°F)

The rash usually appears 14 days after exposure. Some immunocompromised people may not develop the rash. DSHSCDC

Measles Spreads:

• Through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks (the virus can remain on surfaces or in the air for up to two hours).
• By touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Measles is a highly contagious virus; 90% of the people close to an infected person who are not immune will become infected with the measles virus. DSHS

To confirm a measles diagnosis, a healthcare provider can collect a throat or nasopharyngeal swab for RT-PCR testing, along with a serum sample for measles-specific IgM antibody testing, and send them to a laboratory equipped to perform measles confirmatory testing. CDC

Contact your provider through a phone call or telehealth (Preferred) to let them know about your exposure, especially if you are within any of the following groups: unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised. Do not visit a healthcare provider in person without first notifying them of your or your child’s measles exposure. If you are not immune, your doctor may recommend the MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin to reduce the risk. If you become symptomatic with any measles symptoms, please isolate immediately and contact the local health department as well as your healthcare provider, regardless of your vaccination status.

If you do not get the vaccine, avoid places with high-risk people (schools, hospitals, and childcare centers) until your healthcare provider says it’s safe. DSHS

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) offers comprehensive guidance for healthcare providers who have been exposed to measles.

Possible complications include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Lung infection (pneumonia)
• Brain swelling (encephalitis)
• A rare but fatal brain disease (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis)
• Death

These complications are most common among children younger than 5 and adults. DSHS

The best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine. This is primarily administered as the MMR vaccine. DSHS

All children, adolescents, and adults born in 1957 or later should have documentation of vaccination or other evidence of immunity, such as a blood test or a documented history of measles infection. A child’s first dose is administered between the ages of 12-15 months and the second dose is administered between the ages of 4-6, typically before starting school. DSHS

Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants 6–11 months old should get 1 dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get 2 more doses after their first birthday. CDC

Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department offer the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. At Harris County Public Health, appointments are currently required, although same-day appointments may be available. Please call 832-927-7350 to schedule an appointment.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting a measles outbreak in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas. Visit these links to learn more DSHS, DSHS Measles Outbreak FAQs